2024 Summer Internship - DIGI Research Intern (Paid)

About DIGI: The Digital Impact and Governance Initiative (DIGI) at New America, in collaboration with global partners in government, civil society, and the private sector, is working to help individuals and communities access digital public infrastructure to power more effective and equitable institutions. We are committed to fostering transparent dialogue on how societies can develop open digital solutions and protocols rooted in democratic values — strengthening equity, accountability, justice, and integrity.

DIGI is a program area within New America, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy institute that empowers new thinkers and new ideas to address the next generation of challenges facing the United States. DIGI’s work covers a range of domestic and international tech and democracy policy issues, including but not limited to digital public infrastructure, data-driven technologies, digital identification, democracy and tech, multistakeholder governance of digital systems, and equitable tech procurement and deployment.

About the Internship: DIGI seeks enthusiastic, motivated undergraduate or graduate students (or individuals with comparable experience) for a paid, remote internship. Hybrid opportunities are also available. Candidates should demonstrate interest in issues at the intersection of tech and democracy and be committed to exploring career opportunities in the vast fields of public policy, civic tech and social innovation.

DIGI hosts interns who work with our team and support DIGI’s efforts to advance technology designed in the public interest.  Interns  assist with ongoing research projects, content creation, social media, writing & editing, and more. Interns will have the opportunity to author or co-author blog posts and articles, as well as the opportunity to attend/zoom-in to the many educational events New America and other partners host.

The internship period will consist of the following responsibilities, but not limited to: 

• Conduct research on DIGI projects as assigned by the team.
• Source articles for social media content and strategic communications
• Lead research for our monthly publication Digital Matters.
• Work in a collaborative environment with other DIGI team members
• Complete other tasks as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in or an enthusiastic willingness to learn about technology and public policy;
• A self-starter with a positive attitude who can take on projects with minimal supervision;
• Strong written and verbal communications skills;
• Strong organizational skills, and keen attention to detail;
• Passion for social innovation and civic tech;
• Knowledge of social media management and content creation; and
• Available to work between 10 - 15 hours a week.

Additional Skills (a plus, but not required):

• Experience working in tech;
• Interest or experience in social media and/or website content;
• Previous experience with social media management;
• Previous research experience in digital innovation and digital governance;
• Familiarity with code.

Internships are paid $20/hour. Candidates must be able to work 10-15 hours/week and commit to a minimum of three months.

How to apply

Submit a resume, a one-page cover letter, and a brief writing sample. Flexible on start dates. To be considered for this internship, you must include the following in your cover letter: 1) specific areas of interest regarding technology and democracy, and 2) where you heard about this job posting. Submissions will be considered on a rolling basis.

No phone calls, please.

New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our mission, our employees, and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination